Extra, Extra Magic Hours Announced. May the 4th be With You

Today I have great news regarding Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World Resort: Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel this fall will have more opportunities to take advantage of this Extra Magic Hours benefit with Extra, Extra Magic Hours at our theme parks!

The Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit will include expanded daily offerings at three of our theme parks, which includes more time to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as other experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom theme parks. Here’s the rundown: 

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Daily from Sept. 1-Nov. 2, the park will have Extra, Extra Magic Hours from 6-9 a.m., including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, plus Toy Story Land attractions and select other attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences subject to capacity.

(Please note that on Aug. 29-31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6 a.m. for all Guests. There will not be Extra, Extra Magic Hours on those days.)   

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park — Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring Pandora – The World of Avatar and other attractions throughout the park (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).

  • Magic Kingdom Park —Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring favorite attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).

Extra Magic Hours will also continue to be available on select days at Epcot.

If you are visiting this fall, you should know that the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit at the Walt Disney WorldResort requires a valid theme park admission and hotel ID.  Guests without the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option must spend the day at the same park where they’d like to enjoy the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit. 

Also, not all Walt Disney World attractions are available with the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Park hours and available attractions are subject to change without notice. *Applicable theme park, days and times of operation, attraction and service availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and cancellation. 


View Fall 2019 Offers for Walt Disney World Resort Hotels


May The Fourth Be With You!

*The Extra Magic Hours benefit applies to Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Shades of Green® Resort, Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando.  


Visit the Offers Page for current Walt Disney World offers including Agency-Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel.

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Exclusive Epcot Fireworks Dessert Party Coming August 22, 2019

Magical Vacations Travel - Epcot Dessert Party

Magical Vacations Travel Presents

A Fireworks Spectacular Dessert Party at Epcot

August 22, 2019 - 7:50 pm.

After the fireworks, stay for a “magical moment” surprise.

This event is available exclusively for clients of Magical Vacations Travel. Get your quote today!

Event is subject to availability and is open exclusively to clients of Magical Vacations Travel. Contact Darren Wittko for event rates and additional information.

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Exclusive VIP Event from Magical Vacations Travel

Magical Vacations Travel - Epcot Character Breakfast

Magical Vacations Travel presents

A Toyrific Breakfast at Epcot

August 25th, 2019

World Showplace 8:15 am. Adult-size games and Toy Story character meet & greet*

This private event is offered exclusively to clients of Magical Vacations Travel. Start your quote today!

*Event is subject to availability. Open to clients of Magical Vacations Travel who have booked a room or package reservation during the event date. Contact Darren Wittko for event rates and additional information.


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4th of July Disney’s Contemporary Resort

A rootin’ tootin’ DJ will spin Woody’s favorite tunes from a rustic toy set right in the heart of it all. Kids can go have some fun with activities like the Trick Ropin’ Toy, Make-Your-Own Toy Station, camp-style carnival games, and a larger-than-life balloon artist who can recreate their favorite Toy Story characters. And finally, at the end of the night, you’ll be invited out to the Porte Cochére to end the evening with a viewing of the famous Magic Kingdom Park nighttime spectacular.

This limited-time event is happening for three nights only, July 4-6, from 6:15-9:15pm each night at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your client's spot before it’s too late! Tickets are $149 for adults and $99 for children ages 3-9, tax and gratuity included. 


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2019 Dates for 'Disney After Hours' at Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World After Hours Events 2019

If you aren’t familiar with Disney After Hours events, they’re your opportunity to experience a Disney theme park for three hours after regular park hours, with limited attendance, which means little-to-no wait for attractions, experiences and character greetings.  The event ticket also allows you early entry into the park, beginning at 7 p.m. 

New dates for Disney After Hours at Walt Disney World Resort:

  • Magic Kingdom: May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom:  May 7, 14 and 21; and June 4, 11 and 18.

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: May 1, 4, 10, 17, 24 and 31; and June 14, 21 and 28.

And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are two special celebration nights:

May 1 – Celebrate Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th anniversary with special anniversary merchandise, additional character greetings and more food & beverage offerings to purchase.

May 4 – Celebrate May the Fourth dressed in your best galactic Star Wars attire.  Experience Character Encounters including Chewbacca with REY, Darth Vadar, Kylo Ren with CAPTAIN PHASMA, Ewoks, Jawas and imperial stormtroopers. Plus, specialty treats available for purchase. *Be sure your costume fits within park guidelines.

Be sure to check our special Disney Resort hotel offers

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New Epcot Dessert Party Available Today!

Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot

Starting July 17, 2017 there will be a new way to experience “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot. Reservations open today, June 15, 2017, for the new Frozen Ever After Dessert Party, plus a special opportunity to enjoy the Frozen Ever After attraction!

The party, overlooks World Showcase Lagoon and feature décor, drinks, desserts and snacks inspired by the beloved film, “Frozen.” Frozen Ever After Dessert Party Guests will have reserved seating. Specialty cotton candy lemonade or “melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages will be offered to Guests of all ages. Adults 21 years and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages such as a piña colada, margarita or “Summertime Punch,” a refreshing blend of prickly pear syrup, vodka, lemonade and ginger ale.

After “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” Guests of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will be escorted to the Norway Pavilion for a special ride on the popular Frozen Ever After attraction. 

The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is $79 for Guests ages 10 and above, $47 for ages 3 to 9—tax and gratuity included. Reservations are now open for dates beginning July 17, 2017 and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

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Dapper Day - Walt Disney World 2017

The popular Dapper Day will once again return to Magic Kingdom and Epcot April 29 and April 30, 2017. The event welcomes guests to dress up in sophisticated fashions while touring the Theme Parks.  Read more about Dapper Day on the group's website and on their Facebook Page.

>> View Special Disney Resort Hotel Offers

 

By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations

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Disney Resort Guests Have Extra Time to Explore Pandora

Special Extra Magic Hours Available to Disney Resort Hotel Guests. 

For a limited time, May 27-July 4, 2017, Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar beyond regular Park hours.  

Nightly Extra Magic Hours will take place from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. only in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This offering will provide you with an additional opportunity to enjoy everything Pandora – The World of Avatar has to offer – including navigating a mystical river, flying on a back of a banshee and walking under floating mountains. Please note valid Theme Park admission and a Resort ID will be required.

Related

By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations

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A New Way to View Magic Kingdom Fireworks

Celebration at the Top, a new dining event coming to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort, allows you enjoy the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks from an intimate and private observation deck.

Celebration at the Top Guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. After being whisked up to the California Grill, which sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you'll be taken to a banquet room to enjoy a selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates. A complimentary bar offering craft beers, California wines, cordials and coffee will also be available.

Just before the fireworks begin, you will be lead to a private observation deck on the roof of the Contemporary Resort, which offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom Park and the fireworks. After you can return to the private room for dessert including decadent chocolate confections and fruit tarts.

Reservations for Celebration at the Top are now open for select Sunday evenings from Feb. 26-April 16, 2017. Cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

By Darren Wittko

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Enjoy These New Epcot Experiences - Festival of the Arts

Over the six weekends of the festival, beginning Jan. 13, 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort, you can sign up for interactive workshops like the Gesture Drawing Class, led by former Disney animator Todd Bright. Gesture drawing of people is foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors. A single drawing tells a story. Todd’s Story Telling Drawings class will teach you the art of quick sketching from life. 

Other select workshops include watercolor painting, mixed media art, calligraphy and floral arrangements. The Interactive Workshops are $39+tax each Friday-Monday of the Festival.

Also available are meal and performance combos: a breakfast, lunch or dinner, followed by a Disney on Broadway inspired concert – nightly during the Festival from Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017. 

The concert series will pair Broadway talent with favorite songs from award-winning Disney shows such as “The Lion King,” “Newsies” and “Aladdin”. The Dining package includes a three-course meal or full buffet and priority seating at the 8:00 p.m. concert at participating Epcot restaurants. Prices range from $39-$69+ tax for adults, $23-$41+tax for children.

The festival runs Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13–Feb. 20, 2017.

Book one of these select experiences by calling 407-WDW-PLAY

 

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

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runDisney Star Wars Medals

Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side  & Dark Side Challenge: Register now to earn one of the medals, coming April 20-23, 2017, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Special Resort Offer

Magical Vacations Travel Exclusive Offer available for the Star Wars Half Marathon.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS AVAILABLE TO BOOK AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

From a gala dine-around at California Grill high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort to celebrations around World Showcase at Epcot and waterfront at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, there are lots of ways for you to ring in the New Year at Walt Disney World Resort.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS AVAILABLE TO BOOK AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

California Grill New Year’s Eve Dinner

With spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom Park, this dine-around style gala features cooking stations throughout the restaurant. Plus, a host of favorite Disney Characters will make appearances.

The event takes place from 7:30 p.m.-midnight. The price is $650 per person.

Victoria & Albert’s New Year’s Eve Dinner

A luxurious evening in this AAA Five Diamond restaurant features gracious “butler-style” service, live harp music and personalized menus to remember the special evening. Seatings are available between 6-7:45 p.m. The price is $600 per person.

New Year’s Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace (Family Event) 

This all-you-care-to-eat extravaganza is a real family affair featuring photo ops with fun vignettes for posing (but no Disney Characters) and Disney tunes. Seatings are available from 3-9 p.m. The cost is $72.90 for adults and $44.38 for children (ages 3-11). And, later in the evening, you can head out to the promenade for fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon to welcome 2017.

Monsieur Paul New Year’s Eve Dinner 

In the elegant upstairs dining room at the France pavilion at Epcot, you can feast on a four-course, prix fixe menu of classical French cuisine. Six seatings are available on New Year’s Eve: 11:45 a.m., Noon, 2:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The price is $110.81. Plus, a special late-night dinner with two seatings are available at 8:45p.m. and 9:45p.m. The price is $305.03.

Narcoossee’s New Year’s Eve Dinner 

Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this generous four-course menu is offered with seatings between 5 and 5:45 p.m. A five-course menu is offered with seating from 8:30-9:25 p.m. for a late-night celebration with live music. The first seating $150 for adults and $70 for children ages 3-9. The second seating is $255 for adults and $95 for children ages 3-9.

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

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Walt Disney World Tropical Weather Update & Hurricane FAQ

Special Weather Statement From the Walt Disney World Resort and Hurricane FAQ. 


October 5, 2016


Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions as we continue to monitor Hurricane Matthew. Recent forecasts indicate that there could be rain and wind in the Central Florida area as early as Thursday evening, Oct. 6, 2016.

 

Hurricane Policy for Magic Your Way Packages and Most Room-Only Reservations

What does it mean for my vacation plans if a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date?
 

If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way vacation package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.

If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or vacation insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.

 

Will I be responsible for any cancellation or change fees or other amounts if a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date?

If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way vacation package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.

If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or vacation insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.

 

If I reschedule my vacation to a different date because of a hurricane warning, will I be able to get my same accommodations?

If you are scheduled to arrive within 7 days of a hurricane warning, you may call Disney in advance to reschedule without a Disney imposed change fee. Disney cannot guarantee availability of similar accommodations for the new travel dates. All amounts you paid to Disney for rooms, theme park tickets, dining plans and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.

Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation will not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.

The policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences.

 

I received a special offer when I booked my vacation with the Walt Disney Travel Company. If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I reschedule, will I get the same special offer?

Only if an identical special offer is available for your rescheduled vacation dates. All amounts you paid to the Walt Disney Travel Company for rooms, park tickets, dining plans and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.

Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation may not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.

This policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences.

 

If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I want to cancel or reschedule my vacation, what should I do with my airline tickets?

If you booked your air travel through the Walt Disney Travel Company and you want to reschedule, Disney will attempt to rebook your air travel. However, you will be responsible for any cancellation or change fees imposed by the airline. If you did not book your air travel through the Walt Disney Travel Company, you should contact your airline.

 

A hurricane warning has been issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I did not book my package through the Walt Disney Travel Company. Does the Walt Disney Travel Company cancellation policy apply to my package too?

You should contact your Travel Agent directly for information relating to the cancellation and change policies that apply to your package.

 

If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I have a sports or group package, does the Walt Disney Travel Company hurricane cancellation policy apply to my package?

No. The policy only applies to Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way Packages. It does not apply to sports, youth, or other group or special event rooms or packages and does not apply to meetings and conventions.

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The Disney That Didn't Get Built - Live Show This November

Discover why the Persian Resort and many other projects were scrapped in a live show with Jim Hill and Len Testa in, "The Disney That Didn't Get Built" coming November 12, 2016 to New York. 

New York: Attend a live recording of "The Disney That Didn't Get Built" with Len Testa and Jim Hill on November 12, 2016.  "From the Persian hotel resort on Bay Lake back in the 1970s, to the Spain pavilion at World Showcase in the 2000s, and lots of interesting examples in between, you’ll hear what was supposed to happen–and why it didn’t."

Cost is $60 per person. Contact E.T.C Custom Events for more information and to register. 

E.T.C is also offering a kids' activity corner with age-appropriate, curated activities for kids 8 and up for $10 per child.

Darren Wittko -  is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

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